Page 12 of Dancing in the Rain

“I know. I added you to my contacts.”

“Oh. Okay. I’m just calling back to set up a time for us to meet.”

His gut seized up. He caught the curious glances of the other guys. “Hey, can you hang on a sec?”

“Sure.”

He lowered the phone and motioned to Gersh sitting next to him in the booth. “Sorry, guys, I need to take this call. Can I get out?”

Gersh slid out and Drew followed. He walked across the restaurant between tables, the phone back at his ear.

“Sorry about that. I’m just having dinner with some friends.”

“Sorry to interrupt. We could talk later…or tomorrow.”

“No, no, it’s fine.” He swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry, alcohol churning in his gut.

They arranged to meet the following week.

“I don’t know what your schedule is like. Would you be able to meet Tuesday night?”

“Anytime. My days are wide open.”

“Oh. Well, then maybe in the afternoon. That would be better—Chloe’s at school.”

“Sure. Where?”

She paused. “Could you come here?”

“Of course. Just give me your address.”

She told him and he recognized the street name. It wasn’t far from his place if he was remembering correctly. They agreed on a time and ended the call.

Before he went back into the restaurant, he stood on the sidewalk next to big pots of flowers and greenery. People walked by enjoying the fall evening, while traffic passed along the one-way street toward North Michigan.

Well, it was a step forward. He could totally understand Sara’s wanting to be protective and sure of what they were doing here. This was a kid’s life, and stuff like this could mess with a kid’s head in a way that could scar her forever. He didn’t want that.

Back at the table, the guys shuffled to let him back in and he picked up his drink and drained it.

“What was that?” Sam asked with a smirk. “New woman in your life?”

Drew gave a mirthless laugh. “You could say that.” He lowered his head into his hand, elbow on the table. “Fuck.”

The atmosphere went from friendly ribbing to leaden.

“What’s going on, Selly?” Chase asked.

“I need another drink.”

“Uh…you’ve had about a dozen.”

Drew raised his gaze to Sam and lifted the middle finger of the hand his head was resting on.

“Just watching out for you, buddy.”

“That wasn’t Christy, was it?” Gersh demanded.

“No. Haven’t heard from Christy in months.”

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